RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

Dead Battery

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Old 12-28-11, 06:52 PM
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GRPFAN
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Default Dead Battery

A little story about the electronics on our RX 350 and running down the battery.

A couple weeks ago when my wife and I picked up our new Black RX 350, the salesman was
demonstrating and showing us the features on the new Lexus while the ignition was on but engine was off.

It had 10 total miles on the O/D so even from the factory, it couldn't have driven that far to charge the battery.

Well, when we were ready to leave, I started the new RX and heard nothing but clicking, yep, dead battery.

It was a little embarrassing for our salesman, and he insured us this happens often when their not driven enough to charge the system.
Old 12-28-11, 08:03 PM
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Evitzee
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Because of all the electronic systems on cars nowadays there is a parasitic drain on the battery while the vehicle is sitting. And with getting cars on and off the carrier, jockeying cars around the dealers lot, dealer prep, etc you can very well wind up with a flat battery after a few months. This should be caught in preparation but my experience is they don't check the batteries before delivery.

My IS 350 may sit for a week or two at a time if I'm travelling so I bought a Battery Tender for about $45 and with the quick connect pigtail lead I just plug it in and forget it. The battery is now six years old and shows no sign of distress or failing.
Old 12-29-11, 01:16 AM
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UCSB
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My battery died after a few months and needed to be replaced. The cars can get zero use for months before they are sold and this will kill the battery eventually. Mine was replaced under warranty. In the 450h, the battery is tiny and in the trunk.
Old 12-29-11, 06:23 AM
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kitlz
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The manual recommends running the 450h for at least 30 minutes every few months to avoid hybrid battery discharge. So it's not just the 12 volt to worry about. Fortunately the batteries are covered under a liberal warranty. Easy fix.
Old 12-29-11, 10:19 AM
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Viognier
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Battery tender is a good idea for those extended trips when the RX is just sitting. Thanks for the idea.
Old 12-29-11, 06:19 PM
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py0413
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Originally Posted by GRPFAN
A little story about the electronics on our RX 350 and running down the battery.

A couple weeks ago when my wife and I picked up our new Black RX 350, the salesman was
demonstrating and showing us the features on the new Lexus while the ignition was on but engine was off.

It had 10 total miles on the O/D so even from the factory, it couldn't have driven that far to charge the battery.

Well, when we were ready to leave, I started the new RX and heard nothing but clicking, yep, dead battery.

It was a little embarrassing for our salesman, and he insured us this happens often when their not driven enough to charge the system.

I have had the same dead battery problem on the day taking my delivery. Luckily my salesman was able to bring a loaner to my home right away and jumped the RX for me. He then took it back to the dealer and get them fully charged the battery.
Old 12-29-11, 06:32 PM
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GRPFAN
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Originally Posted by py0413
I have had the same dead battery problem on the day taking my delivery. Luckily my salesman was able to bring a loaner to my home right away and jumped the RX for me. He then took it back to the dealer and get them fully charged the battery.

The dealer is aprox. 60 miles from my house so after we got it started and I drove home,
the battery was fully charged.
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